A guide to the strangest laws in the world of expats

Posted 16/03/2018

Author: Santa Fe Relocation

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Strange laws around the world

There are a number of weird, funny, strange and crazy laws across the world. They may sound a little bizarre, but a law is a law, and should you break one, you’ll have no choice but to pay the consequence. With this in mind, we’re exploring the strangest laws in the world of expats to help ensure you don’t get fined – or worse, end up in jail – for unknowingly breaking them.

Chewing Gum In Singapore

Among the extensive list of items that aren’t allowed to be imported into Singapore is gum. For a strange law, we must admit, we agree to some extent on this one! After all, nobody likes picking chewing gum off the bottom of their shoe with a stick. Enforced with an aim to keep public spaces clean, the gum ban in Singapore has certainly helped – and will continue to help – keep the streets of Singapore near to immaculate. Should you want a refreshing treat, we suggest a breath mint instead.

Whistling In Canada

The city of Petrolia in Ontario, Canada, has a law that limits excessive noise. It sounds little over the top, but the rule specifically states that no yelling, whistling, singing or shouting is permitted at any time. Even though few people are aware that this law exists, it very much does, and should you be caught doing one of the acts that have been banned, you’ll be expected to pay the consequence! We’re not sure if this law is a blessing or a curse. What do you think?

Naming Your Baby Something Weird In Denmark

Unlike the United Kingdom and the USA, Denmark boasts official child naming guidelines. With Kylie Jenner recently naming her daughter *spoiler alert* Stormi, celebrities in Denmark would certainly be challenged for the most innovative, yet approved, baby name. Those who want to name their baby something other than the 7,000 approved names are required to get government approval, and even then there’s no guarantee that the name would be approved. Sorry Apple, Blue Ivy and North!

Wearing High Heels In Greece

If you’re heading to Greece’s most historic cities, leave your high heels at home! While we can’t image anyone wanting to go sightseeing in five-inch stilettos anyway, high heels have in fact been made illegal at certain ancient monuments in Greece because they can cause damage – not to mention the damage to your feet! We couldn’t dream of wanting to hobble on the cobbles of the Acropolis of Athens, Minoan Palace of Knossos or Ancient Delphi in high heels, but it’s apparent that some people have! We say leave the high heels at home, and pack your most comfortable pair of trainers instead!

Recklessly Biking In Mexico

Out of all the strangest laws in the world of expats included in this list, recklessly biking in Mexico is, to us, pretty standard. We like to think that everybody takes care to mind pedestrians when riding their bike on a sunny afternoon, but of course, this cannot be guaranteed, which is why bikers in Mexico may not lift their feet from the pedals at any time in order to sustain control. Created in 1892, this practical law is a fantastic way to protect riders and the general public alike, and despite not being able to lift your feet from the pedals, you can still go hands free. We’ll let you decide how good this law really is!

If you’re moving abroad, contact us to find out how we can help you with your relocation process, today.

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